Disclaimers: I don't own Yugioh. All I own is this story and my original characters.
Dedication: To all my Reviewers esp. to those faithful to my first chapter story, Accidentally In Love. Thanks for reviewing my stories. I owe it all to you. I love you guys!!!! Also, I would like to thank clarity for clearing up the Jou name thing. Thanks!!! ::hugs Clarity::
Pairings: Seto/Jou (main) others may pop up.
Warnings: Shonen-ai. Fluff and Angst (lethal combination). Also, if there are grammatical errors, I'm sorry. I'm half-awake.
A/N: My very first Christmas fic (every author needs one, ne?). I hope you'll like it. It's divided into three chapters and I intend to put it all up before Christmas but I'm not promising anything. The rough draft is written and all I need is to type them. As for AIL, I lost the disk so I have to rewrite the chapppies. I may post after this story is finished. On to the fic then.
Summary: Fifteen years had passed. Two teens, trying to find the perfect gift, found a story that will change two lives that yuletide season. Can old flames rekindled? Can the love return? Will they hear, that Christmas day, the heart's melody?
The Heart's Melody: A Christmas story
Chapter III: Christmas Melody
Domino City. Domino Square. December 23, year 2021 8:10 P.M.
"You're late." Saji narrowed her eyes towards her panting boyfriend.
"Sorry. I—I got stuck in traffic. I came from the other side of Domino." Kein explained. Saji just smiled. Like what she'd said before…her boyfriend's not perfect.
"I need to tell you—"they both started. Kein scratched his head while Saji looked away.
"You go first." Kein lead Saji towards a bench. It's rare for Saji to start a conversation so he grabbed that chance.
"Well, you see that store across the street?" Saji pointed at Jou's antique store. Kein nodded so Saji continued.
"A man named Jou owned it. He's a nice and friendly man. All afternoon, we talked about his lost love. After that, he gave me a very beautiful Christmas gift for just listening. Now, I want to give something in return." Saji explained.
"Sure. We can find him something he would like." Kein stood up but Saji held him down.
"The thing I want to give him can't be bought from stores. "
"Then what is it?" Kein asked in confusion.
"I want to give him back his lost love." She then told him Jou's love story.
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Jou took the music box and put it infront on his bed. He laid beside it and opened it. The sweet melody filled the air. He didn't know at first what melody was it but when Mokuba heard it, he told him that it was Seto's self-composed song.
He can't help but smile as he touched the wooden casing. This box had been with him all those years. The nights he cried, the sweet melody accompanied him. In his dreams, this song's the one playing while and Seto were dancing the night away. Every waking day, this music box reminded him of Seto and the love they once shared.
He took the card Seto had given him. That card symbolizes their union. Their hearts, their bodies, their souls. They had become one the minute they had sealed it with a kiss. Too bad, he saw the need to break it.
And the ring, he tried giving it back. But Seto treated him like he didn't exist. He had gone far as leaving Japan and leave his brother behind. Mokuba had met him a couple of times to keep him updated but to his own insistence. He can't move on if that kept up. Seto had forgotten about him. He had moved on so the only choice left was to move on as well.
"One more day before Christmas. I think it's time to cry again."
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"No way!" Kein stood up as Saji finished her story. Saji looked confused at her boyfriend's behavior. "What?"
"That Jou…His full name is Jonouchi Katsuya, right?" Saji nodded. Kein took a breath before continuing.
"And that Seto you're talking about. It's none other than Kaiba Seto right?"
"How did you know?" Saji stood up as well. Kein then took out the journal.
"Because my dear Saji, I've met him. And to tell you something, he's still in love with Jou." He showed the last pages of the journal. It's dated a year before. "He still loves him but to proud to get him back so I thought maybe we could give him a little push. And from what I've heard from you, Jou's still in love with him too." Kein smirked.
" I think we're thinking about doing the same thing." Kein said with a smile. Saji's eyes grew wide before she squealed, a thing that surprised them both, in delight.
"You mean?" Kein nodded as Saji hugged him.
"A love once lost will be returned once again."
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"I'm sorry big brother. But the company still needs me here." Mokuba's apologetic voice was heard from the other line.
"That's fine. Just don't work too hard."
"It's me who's suppose telling you that. Don't worry, me, Marie and the kids will be there on new years."
"You better be. I won't hold you any longer. Say hi for me. Take care Mokuba."
"Take care too big brother. Advance merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas too." He then put the phone back to its cradle. He sat on his chair while he looks at his desk.
"One more day…" Seto eyed the digital clock as it flashed the date. He opened a drawer and took out a framed picture. The frame was silver with intricate ivy vines as designs. But what really matter was the photo it held. It was their first Christmas together so Katsuya dragged him on a nearby photo booth. This photo booth didn't give them usual photos but instead it sketched them. He's scowling while Katsuya's smiling. He traced Katsuya's face with his fingers trying to remember what it felt like to hold his puppy's face.
"Pup…why…" he held it close to his chest trying to fight back his tears. He's 35 for goodness sake. It had been fifteen years after Jou broke up with him.
"Wake up Seto. He won't come back. Just go back on being the bastard you are." Seto said to him self, while smiling a bitter smile.
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Domino City. Jou's Shop. December 24, 2021
Jou woke up feeling a lot worse than the night before. Officially, tonight's was his and Seto's first date anniversary. And tomorrow will be their seventeenth anniversary. He made his morning dose of caffeine before entering the front of his house, which is his shop.
He did the morning inventory before going on the display window to place his music box. He then noticed a letter posted outside. He looks at it with confusion before going outside to retrieve it.
He opened and gasped at its contents.
10:00 P.M., December 24, Domino Square, beside the large Christmas tree.
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"Any messages?" Seto as he walk pass his secretary.
"None sir. But, there's a package for you that arrived earlier." She then handed a box much like the box he received from Katsuya He took before entering his office.
He sat the box down eyeing it. Should he open it? After a few minutes, he'd decided he might as well open it to get over it. Upon opening it, he gasped.
Could it be…but it's impossible. It must be a joke.
He took out the piece of paper at the bottom, reading it again.
10:00 P.M., December 24, Domino Square, beside the large Christmas tree.
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Domino Square. December 24, 2021. 10:15 P.M.
"He's late again. Do you think with the years that had passed, he would learn to come on time." Seto glanced at his watch once again as he freeze again to death.
Little did he know, Jou's just a street away, looking at him.
"He's really there. There really must be hope." Jou then looked at his music box.
"Come one Jou. He just want an explanation. No more, no less. You've grown up. Moved on…" he took the box and went outside.
"Hello Seto…" he greeted. Seto looked at him with surprised but weary eyes. 'Not much had changed. His boyish features had disappeared making him look manlier. But those eyes…his blue eyes doesn't shine anymore.' Jou thought.
"Hello Katsuya…" Seto greeted back, taking in his ex-lover's features. He still look boyish and his lanky frame didn't change from its slim figure. His blonde hair, now chin length made him look feminine rather than masculine but he still airs the cocky dignity Seto refused to admit he love as well.
At that time, both man were speechless.
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"What are they doing? Kill each other with stares?" Kein slammed his palm on his forehead. Saji looked at her boyfriend's impatience with passive eyes.
"Just wait a while. If worst comes to worst, we'll just have to use desperate measures." Saji answered. Kein nodded in defeat watching the two.
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"So?" they both started. They looked away from one another before beginning again.
"Why do you—" this time, Jou chuckled. "Go ahead Seto."
Seto nodded. "Mutt, why did you sent me that letter? I thought it was all over for us." Seto asked in his cold voice. He mustn't show how pathetic his life had been when they broke up.
"Fifteen years and here I am thinking you got over the dog comments. And for the record, I didn't sent you any letter." Katsuya asked with annoyance making Seto frown.
"And how many times do I have to tell you you're a dog and I'm your master. You're wasting my time if you're still denying the act you've done." He then showed his letter. This time, it's Katsuya who frowned.
"I didn't sent you a letter. It's you who did!" he took out his letter as well.
"What?" they asked together in confusion exchanging letters.
"But this isn't my handwriting!" they both said again. They looked at each other then around them.
"Who?" Katsuya asked. Seto shook his head.
"We did." A voice made them look towards the Christmas tree.
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Domino Square. December 24, 2021. Quarter to twelve.
"And that's the reason you're both here." Saji explained. They're now on an open café near the Christmas tree. Katsuya drank his tea on one big gulp upon hearing it whilst Seto just looked at them with even colder eyes.
"I believe you have something that belongs to me." He looked at Kein pointedly. Kein gulped then reached on his back to give back the journal and card.
"Very well then, I need to attend on other meetings. It's nice meeting you." He stood up but was held by someone. And that someone was Katsuya.
"You're such a jerk. But if you must leave, please take these as well." Jou handed him the music box. Seto opened it before jerking his arm away.
"Me, a jerk? Who's the bastard that broke our relationship with even explaining why? As far as I can remember, it wasn't me. Who's the biggest jerk now?" Seto said with the coldest venom he could muster.
Katsuya was silent for a moment before mumbling something that didn't escape Seto's ears. Kein and Saji looked at each other knowing it's their cue to leave.
"What?"
"I said I did it for you…"
"For me…mutt, you must be kidding." Seto laughed bitterly. Katsuya looked at him with wide eyes. As far as he remembered, Seto didn't cry when they broke up. He's angry and mad but he never cried. Seto sat on his chair thankful that they've chosen a secluded spot. He would die if someone saw him cry.
"You left me for no reason. You said it was for me. But it never did anything good. You killed me the day you said no, pup. The man you're looking at now is a hallow shell. I wanted to hate you. Curse you…but I can't. I'll just inflict pain on myself more. I tried to forget and to do that I enslave myself to work. It worked for a while but your memory was stronger. After a few years, I've stopped fighting it. So now, all I do is to bury myself to work and when Christmas arrive, cry myself to sleep."
Katsuya looked at him with sad, teary eyes. He didn't know that Seto wouldn't understand. He thought he'd done him good but he just made him suffer more. He took Seto's hand and led it to his lips.
"I'm sorry. I'm very sorry." He's now crying. All those years, he just hurted the one he loves. Seto looked at him with confusion and gasped when Jou kissed his hand.
"Why Katsuya…why did you really leave?"
"I leave because of what I've said. Your company needs you. I'm not worthy enough to compete with it. I admit I'm jealous and afraid to lose you to that company but when I understood that your brother's future is far more important than my dream, I've decided to let go. Don't you see, I did this all for you. Kaiba corps. expansion, you being one of the richest, Mokuba one of the youngest CEO. Seto, your family's future are secured."
"But my heart isn't. Do you know how many nights I've cried thinking you didn't love me like what you've said before? And here I am still loving you."
"Yet I love you too. And my heart bleeds too every single night. I longed for you. Your touch, your kiss, your sweet nothings. Seto, I killed myself the day I've decided that. I know I'm slowly dying every time you put me off for your company so I just did it on one go."
"Stupid puppy. All this time, we've been suffering while we could've been with each other all along." Seto clasped Jou's hands and kissed it. He then embraced him.
"I still love you. And this time, I won't ever let you go." Jou returned the hug, eyes full of tears. "Me too Seto…me too."
"We've waited long enough." Seto pulled away. He then took the ring from the music box and inserted it on Jou's fingers. It still fits.
"I won't ask you this time. I'll just whisk you away from your seat and marry you on the nearest church." Seto smiled the rare smile Katsuya's the only one privileged to see. Katsuya nodded, not trusting his voice anymore.
At their surprise, the Christmas tree lit up signaling it's Christmas.
"Merry Christmas Katsu-chan. I love you." Seto leaned in for a kiss. Jou smiled before meeting him.
"Merry Christmas too. And I love you too."
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Saji sighed as they watch the two kiss. Kein put his arms around her as he ask him one thing.
"Promise me that you won't leave me like Katsuya did."
Saji smiled. "I don't know. I might find a greater boyfriend than you." Kein looked at him with wide eyes. She then smirked. "Just kidding. Don't worry, I promise." She pinched Kein's nose, returning the hug.
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Domino City. Domino Church. June 25, 2022
They've decided to held it six months after they got back together. The media had feasted once again but this time, their relationship is regarded with deep respect and admiration. Their friends are all there supporting them once again, not thinking it's possible for them to get back together after all those years yet hoping they did. As I watch them seal their bonds, I can't help but stare at my charm bracelet. I hope we'll have the love like those two have. And that we'll never be parted.-Kouyama Sajiko
Man, who knew such love exist? Fifteen years of separation. That would kill me! But I hope if that ever happens, Saji would still love me. Then we could get back the way these two did. I never believed on fairytales but their story…it was beyond it. Their love, didn't end with happily ever after. It paused for fifteen years, making the love grew more then continued…now as they seal each other, their love story continued together with each other. I hope our story will be like that too…Man, I've become a sap.
-Akihiro Kein
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Jou smiled as they walk pass Saji. Who knew that this girl could give him the best Christmas gift ever? He looked at his husband with all the love he got, tighting his hold.
"No need to be assured. I won't go away." Seto whispered. Jou just look at him with a dazzling smile.
"As if I'll let go."
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Seto nodded at Kein thankful for what he and Saji did. He mouthed a thank you which Kein just replied with a thumbs up. He'd decided to help that boy to get the girl of his dreams too with all that he got. With some help from Katsuya of course.
He then led Katsuya towards the awaiting limo that will drive them to the airport. Katsuya didn't know he'd contacted the hotel they've stayed on their time together in Hawaii and booked a three month honeymoon. Afterall, he'd waited fifteen years for this.
He kissed Katsuya which the other gladly returned.
"I love you."
"I love you too." They kissed again, with faint bells and sweet lullaby as their background.
-The end.
A/N: Finally finished! I have a problem with the italics at first so sorry if theres some confusion. Thanks Morghann!.
To all who reviwed, thank you! You've given the best Christmas gift ever! Also, this story is dedicated to the woman I've met yesterday. To my surprise, she had the same story (Jou and Seto story) as her very own love story. Now, she's happily married with her husband and they had one kid. This is for you Auntie Belle!
To all, Merry Christmas and happy new year!!!!